Team Lifting Coordination
A safety talk focused on team lifting hazards, including communication, uneven loads, pinch points, trip hazards, poor timing, and safe planning before lifting.
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Key Hazards
- Strains from uneven or poorly coordinated lifting
- Dropped loads caused by miscommunication
- Pinched fingers and hands during handling
- Trips while carrying large or awkward materials
- One worker taking more weight than expected
- Poor visibility while carrying oversized items
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Team lifting is used when a load is too heavy, awkward, long, or unstable for one person to handle safely. It can reduce strain, but only if the workers coordinate before and during the lift.
Before lifting, the team should understand the weight, shape, grip points, travel path, and final placement location. Workers should not start lifting until everyone knows the plan.
One person should lead the lift. Clear commands such as lift, walk, stop, turn, lower, and set down help prevent sudden movements and uneven loading.
Workers should lift at the same time and keep the load level when possible. If one person lifts early, moves faster, or lowers without warning, the other workers may be overloaded or lose control.
The travel path should be checked before the lift begins. Cords, tools, uneven ground, stairs, doorways, mud, ice, and tight turns can create trip and pinch hazards while the team is carrying the load.
Hand placement matters. Workers should avoid placing fingers between the load and walls, door frames, equipment, pallets, racks, or the floor where pinch points can occur.
If the load blocks visibility, a spotter or a different handling method may be needed. Workers should not carry large objects blindly through active work areas.
A good team lift is planned, communicated, and controlled. If the load is too heavy or awkward even for a team, mechanical assistance should be used instead of forcing the lift.
Safety Reminders
- Plan the lift before picking up the load.
- Assign one person to lead commands.
- Lift, move, turn, and lower together.
- Check the travel path before carrying the load.
- Keep hands clear of pinch points.
- Stop if anyone loses grip, balance, or control.
- Use mechanical assistance when team lifting is not enough.
Ask the Crew
- Is this load appropriate for a team lift?
- Who will lead the lift and give commands?
- Is the travel path clear?
- Where are the pinch points during lifting and placement?
- Would a cart, dolly, hoist, or equipment be safer?